I can hardly believe that the holiday season is upon us! And what better time is there to break out a little bubbly or sparking wine to toast the season?

One of my favorites is an Italian sparkling wine, the Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè from Terlato Wines International. It’s light, fresh and fruity (but not cloyingly sweet) and pairs beautifully with everything from French toast to grilled salmon, chicken, Asian and vegetable dishes. And it’s ideal with desserts, making it a perfect choice for all your upcoming celebrations.

Here’s a wedding-perfect signature cocktail you’ll love, created by Michael MacDonnel, Director of Beverage Monte Carlo Resort & Casino:

Raspberry Kiss Cocktail

1½ oz Raspberry-flavored vodka
¾ oz Crème de Cassis
1½ oz. fresh lemon sour
3-5 fresh raspberries
1½ to 3 oz Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè
Sugar for rim of glass

Steps:

1. Sugar the rim of the cocktail glass; use a flute or martini glass for best presentation
2. Pour vodka, Crème de Cassis, lemon sour and fresh raspberries into cocktail shaker; top with ice
3. Shake vigorously
4. Strain into glass
5. Top with Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè
6. Optional garnish: add fresh raspberries

Enjoy this special cocktail with family and friends and here’s to many more celebratory moments!

—Diane Forden

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna shares her picks for what to wear to a winter wedding.

They say it's the most wonderful time of the year; ornaments and lights, eggnog and candy canes, holiday parties and, of course, those beautiful winter weddings. Now, just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't (and shouldn't) look fabulous. Besides, what better time to break out the sequins and lace and color than the holidays?

Just remember to stay warm with stockings and closed-toe shoes, and accessorize with a fun pair of gloves, a hat and perhaps a gorgeous feather coverup!

Ballroom

Photo Credit: Royal Household/John Swannell

Today, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. The couple tied the knot on November 20, 1947 in Westminster Abbey before 2,000 guests, followed by an intimate wedding lunch at Buckingham Palace. Here, check out 20 facts you may not know about the longest-married British monarch:

1. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are third cousins — both are great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Philip’s mother was born in Windsor Castle and he, in fact, has more royal blood than Elizabeth—his parents were Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece, while Elizabeth’s mother was of British nobility.

It’s time to celebrate! Our January/February 2013 issue is on the newsstands, and it marks the start of Bridal Guide’s 25th anniversary year. Yep…25 years of giving brides like you the very best advice and latest news in fashion, wedding planning and honeymoons. And, to note our special anniversary, we’re giving you a chance to win this stunning cover gown by Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal:

But wait, there’s more! You also have an opportunity to win a dream-come-true safari honeymoon in Africa worth $14,000.

Plus, if you’re thinking of having a wedding away, you’ll get “Your Complete Destination Wedding Guide” free with this issue.

With Wreck-It Ralph making us feel a little nostalgic for video games — and a little sympathetic toward the most hated villains — we've compiled some of our favorite gaming-themed weddings, from Super Mario Bros. to Rock Band to Halo. 

Nintendo

There are so many fun ways to incorporate Nintendo elements in your wedding, starting with the proposal: Hide the engagement ring inside of this classic question mark box! 

Photo Credit: Emmadreamstar/Etsy

Nintendo superfans Esther and Ryan enlisted friend Larry Quach to custom-design invitations, favor boxes, and more for their Super Mario Bros. theme wedding: